America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 847 Created a Hero

The following morning, Martin, Julie, and Aniston, having hurt each other to the extreme, took the private elevator downstairs together.

Last night, a fierce battle for the Best Picture award at this year's Oscars was fought between three people.

Julie and Aniston, supporting each other, stepped out of the elevator.

Martin drove up in a car, parked it at the elevator entrance, and helped Julie and Aniston into the car.

Aniston, sprawled on the front seat, glared at Martin in the driver's seat: "Can't you just deliberately lose to me once?"

"I'd like to too," Martin said helplessly. "I've already let you do whatever you want, but my strength doesn't allow it. What can I do?"

This is something he can't just lose if he wants to.

Julie yelled, "Jenny, you're a piece of trash! A completely useless piece of trash!"

Aniston retorted, "No, we're all trash!"

Julie was speechless for a moment, because she couldn't stand it anymore and, as Aniston's ally, joined the fight.

In the end, they still suffered a crushing defeat.

Martin started the car and asked, "Where are you going?"

Julie said, "I'm going to Jenny's house to comfort her wounded heart."

Martin drove out of the underground parking garage.

Aniston accepted her loss without saying much.

Julie, on the other hand, kept talking the whole way, mainly asking Martin, her teacher, how she should maintain her presence and high-class image in the new era of society.

Martin drove the two back to Aniston's Beverly Hills residence.

As soon as Aniston got out of the car, she called Steve McQueen, the producer of "12 Years a Slave," and asked him to withdraw the Best Picture nomination and focus all his efforts on other awards.

No one was home, so Martin didn't go back. Instead, he went straight to Davis Studios and told Jessica and Emily that they no longer needed to consider "12 Years a Slave" as a competitor.

He never expected that "12 Years a Slave" was a film produced by Plan B, a company controlled by Aniston, and he never expected that Aniston would agree to Julie's bad idea to decide who would quit by fighting with him.

Of course, the one that doesn't withdraw might not win Best Film, so publicity and public relations must keep up.

Martin sat in his office for a while, considering Aniston's decision to withdraw, and thought about the related matters. He then called Aniston again and told her that she could try to contact Netflix so that the film could have a new offline channel.

After making the call, Martin started thinking again: if he wanted to compete for Best Picture in the future, should he also consider the issue of stacking buffs?

The magical era has fully begun.

He wasn't surprised by this situation, since many years ago, the quality of the film has no longer been the deciding factor for the Oscar for Best Picture.

How many films of clearly superior quality have failed to win an Oscar?

I estimate there are too many to count on two hands.

Bruce then pushed open the door, pulled out a chair, and sat down, saying, "Alexandrovich just called via encrypted satellite phone; he has important news."

Martin, who was reviewing the company's report from last month, asked without looking up, "The ratings for the second season of 'Servants of the People' exploded?"

Bruce said, "Yes, the second season set new ratings records for television dramas in several Commonwealth countries and gained even more acclaim."

He further stated, "After the previous human trafficking incidents and the airing of the second season of 'Servant of the People,' he became the most popular person in all of Ukraine, gaining the support of all Ukrainians, including many ethnic Russians."

Martin nodded: "Bruce, we've created a hero, a hero who can lead the nation."

"The hero you created." Bruce was somewhat surprised when he received the notification. Although he knew this would happen sooner or later, he had always thought the other party would have to wait a few more years: "It will be officially announced soon."

Martin laughed and said, "Haven't we been waiting for this day? He's now a national hero in Ukraine, carrying the hopes of countless Ukrainians, and has the support of an oligarchic group. It's not impossible for him to win."

"Two years ago," Bruce said, sighing. "The world is getting more and more magical."

Martin laughed and said, "We'd be more comfortable in a more magical world."

Besides the potential monetary gains, the inexplicable sense of accomplishment brings exceptional spiritual satisfaction.

It would be even more interesting if I became the village chief in the future.

Bruce emphasized, "He mentioned a crucial point: he said he owes everything he has today to you and will definitely reward you handsomely. Please continue to support him."

He looked at Martin with a strange expression: "Would this guy give you hundreds of young and beautiful Russian women as gifts?"

Martin was very generous: "If that's the case, I'll give you half."

"I don't want to." Bruce had gone to Kyiv with Martin and met a bunch of young Russian women, including Nastya, Mia, and Erica. "They're all too skinny, with hardly any meat on their bones. One Jody is enough; if a few more of these skinny types come along, I'm afraid their pelvises will break."

Martin nodded. "I understand."

Bruce asked in surprise, "What do you understand?"

Martin said in a serious tone, "I will inform you in advance and have him specially prepare a 35-year-old auntie or a 35-year-old auntie for you. They are all heavyweights, so you will definitely not bump your pelvis."

Bruce gave Martin the middle finger; even a Russian auntie couldn't stand it.

As best friends who had been through thick and thin together, Martin seriously considered whether to find Old Brooks a hundred aunties with millstone-like buttocks and water vat-like waists.

After all, Old Bu had protected him for so long, so he should give Old Bu some special gifts.

Martin thought that given Old Brooks's fondness for this kind of thing, he would definitely like it. He said he didn't like it, but that was purely for the sake of the Kardashian sisters and Jody.

Bruce reminded him, "You made plans with Leonardo and Nicholson."

Martin packed his things and prepared to leave: "Let's go."

The two got into the Cadillac and headed to Brentwood. Martin picked up a copy of today's newspaper and flipped through the social and entertainment sections.

This article in The Hollywood Reporter features an interview with Warner Bros. CEO and Chairman Kevin Tsujihara.

Kevin Tsujihara mainly discussed DC's Justice League universe plan, saying that DC is catching up with Marvel and that a key film, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," will be released next year.

In addition, Kevin Tsujihara also mentioned that "Joker" will be the last DC film outside the Justice League universe, and all films outside the Justice League universe will be canceled.

Strictly speaking, that's not wrong at all, provided that the Justice League universe is as successful as the Avengers.

Movies that only focus on results and gains are considered sinful, as they equate failure with mediocrity.

Martin was extremely wary of the Warner Bros. supergroup. He asked Bruce, "Is anyone still watching Kevin Tsujihara and his mistress Charlotte Kirk?"

Bruce said, "After Michelle Bryan's suicide, our focus returned to Kevin Tsujihara and Charlotte Kirk, who would meet at the Burbank Hotel every now and then."

Martin nodded and asked, "Did you find anything particularly unusual about them?"

Bruce shook his head: "Not yet. Charlotte Kirk came back from the Interstellar set, and besides dating Kevin Tsujihara, she's been filming a new movie. Her role might be related to Kevin Tsujihara, but that's nothing in Hollywood."

Martin has done similar things many times, such as helping his lovers get movie roles; these kinds of things are all too common in Hollywood.

Kevin Tsujihara's departure from Warner Bros. wasn't due to any illicit relationship with actresses; his performance was the key factor.

Martin said, "Keep an eye on Kevin Tsujihara and Charlotte Kirk. The Warner Bros. team has always been too brilliant, and I'm worried they might do something unusual."

Bruce thought of Jon Bourne's genius film editing innovations and considered the possibility quite high.

Who the hell knows what those geniuses are capable of?

…………

Burbank Hotel.

In the Warner Bros.' long-term private room, Kevin Tsujihara stopped after three minutes.

Charlotte stretched out her long leg and kicked him aside, then leaned on her own sisters—her left and right hands.

Kevin Tsujihara took out a cigarette, lit it, closed his eyes, and puffed out smoke, looking quite content.

After a while, Charlotte got up and cleaned them both up.

Kevin Tsujihara stubbed out his cigarette and said, "You did a good job playing Louise Lane in Man of Steel, but don't be complacent. You need to make her character more three-dimensional in the next film."

He reminded her, "Zack Snyder originally wanted Amy Adams for the role, but I had Charles Rowan put aside Zack Snyder's opinion and recommend you for it."

Although she didn't get the role of Wonder Woman, Charlotte was quite satisfied with Lois Lane's roles as the female lead in "Man of Steel" and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." She said, "Darling, just ask for whatever service you want. Just tell me where you want to use me. I'll open any places that aren't open, and I'll learn anything I don't know right away."

Kevin Tsujihara, the "three-minute wonder," waved his hand and said, "That's enough for now."

Charlotte landed a major role and became exceptionally dependent on and attentive to Kevin Tsujihara. Immediately remembering what Kevin Tsujihara had asked her to do before, she said, "It's a pity I slipped up with Martin Davis, otherwise you could have gotten me into the Joker cast."

Upon hearing Martin's name, Kevin Tsujihara felt a surge of annoyance and said, "You mentioned last time that he's been close to Mackenzie Foy and likes younger women?"

Charlotte declared confidently, "I can guarantee that! That bastard is an absolute pervert!"

Kevin Tsujihara nodded slightly: "I had originally considered Michelle Bryan..."

Because his brother-in-law Jon Berg was forced to resign and his sister was putting constant pressure on him, he initially planned to use Michelle Bryan's connections to sabotage Martin Davis once the Joker project was completed.

Charlotte then said, "Michelle Bryan's suicide is suspicious. Martin Davis likes that type, and Michelle Bryan provides that kind of service to her clients. Could Martin be Michelle's client?"

She asked, "There must be very few people in Los Angeles who offer this service on a large scale, right?"

Kevin Tsujihara pondered for a moment, then said, "Besides the church, the only one who has truly achieved great things is Michelle Blaine."

Charlotte suddenly thought of a possibility: "Could Michelle Bryan's suicide be related to Martin?"

As she said this, her hand trembled. To make someone obediently commit suicide and have the FBI rule it as suicide—that's terrifying!

"Martin isn't the person behind this." Given Kevin Tsujihara's position, he had heard some rumors: "This is not something you can get involved in. Don't speculate wildly, and don't try to find out."

Charlotte listened attentively: "I understand."

She asked, "That bastard Martin..."

Kevin Tsujihara said, "That's all for now. We'll see what happens after the Joker project is completed."

Charlotte didn't say anything more and left to take a shower in the bathroom.

Kevin Tsujihara lit another cigarette, pondering the messy situation surrounding Martin Davis.

This bastard is tough to deal with; we'll have to use some unconventional methods to get rid of him.

Perhaps we could do something about Michelle Bryan, who is dead.

As usual, after their date, Kevin Tsujihara and Charlotte Kirk left the Burbank Hotel separately, at different times.

Neither of them noticed that a tail was following them until the two went to the Warner Bros. Building and Warner Bros. Studios, respectively.

…………

Brentwood.

In Leonardo's mansion, Nicholson opened a bottle of wine and poured it for each of the three men.

Martin laughed and said, "Just so you know, my goal is Best Picture."

Leonardo breathed a sigh of relief and said, "In Open Road Pictures' plans, the number one target for 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is the Best Actor award. I knew you bastard wouldn't go head-to-head with me."

Martin sneered, "This is for the sake of our friendship. I'm afraid I'll smear you so badly that you can never clear your name again."

Leonardo DiCaprio, with his thick skin, said: "We're not competing for awards right now. Help me think of a good way to win an Oscar. We can't be playing the victim again this time, can we?"

Nicholson's eyes widened: "I've never seen anyone so shameless! You have a bet with Martin, and you have the nerve to ask him to help you win more prizes?"

Martin said, "Leo, you need to understand one thing: the biggest help I can give you is not criticizing you."

Leonardo sighed: "Without your support, I lack confidence."

"Don't say things like that," Martin quickly interrupted him. "It's easy to misunderstand."

Nicholson said, "It's okay, Leo can continue to play the victim and tell all of Hollywood that he's a sprinter..."

While giving Nicholson the middle finger, Leon Ando thought the old bastard had a point: perhaps he could continue to play the victim at this year's Oscars.

(End of this chapter)